President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval released another campuswide email on Dec. 19 regarding the three reports of antisemitic vandalism on campus.
Notably, Jiménez-Sandoval confirmed what the three incidents are. The email stated the following:
- Two of the reported incidents involved hastily drawn swastikas that early assessments suggest were created by the same individual(s).
- These were found in areas of campus easily accessible to the public: one on a directional sign near the Kremen Education Building, and one on a concrete pole near Parking Lot P30.
- The third incident involved antisemitic messaging in a restroom stall in the Family and Food Science Building.
Jiménez-Sandoval said he cannot release any more details, since it is still an ongoing investigation.
Previously, the university deemed the three reports a “cluster of related incidents.” Jiménez-Sandoval said that the timeframe of the reports contributed to this conclusion.
“In the last two academic years, the Office of Compliance and Civil Rights (OCCR) has not received reports or complaints involving vandalism or hate symbols alleged to be antisemitic,” Jiménez-Sandoval said in the email. “This is one reason why the three reports received within a 10-day period were treated as a cluster of related incidents, which helped guide our response.”
Jiménez-Sandoval also said the incidents are believed to be isolated, and there is no direct threat to the campus community or a broader community trend.
He also said the Fresno State Police Department is investigating alongside Fresno Police Vice Intelligence detectives.
The Collegian’s anonymous source, who reported one of the incidents, detailed what their interaction with the police was like.
“I called the non-emergency number and waited 45 minutes for an officer to respond to my location,” the source said. “The conversation was brief and blunt, which gave me no time to explain what happened …”
The source said they were given a “quick goodbye” as the officer took a photo of the vandalism, then they received a call two days later.
“I received a call from the on-campus sheriff apologizing and saying that these types of situations are taken very seriously,” the source said.
Additionally, Jiménez-Sandoval said there will be a Hanukkah menorah lighting in the Resnick Student Union Ruiz Ballroom on Dec. 21 from 5:30-6 p.m.
“University Police will be present for the event, providing extra security for all guests,” Jiménez-Sandoval said in the email.
